Director of Mississippi River Research/Assistant/Associate Professor (Tenure Track)

Purpose of Job

The Center Director has responsibilities for management and long­ term operation of the Mississippi River Research Center – Center for Ecology & Natural Resources ( MRRC - CENR ). The Center Director functions as a leading research team member and manager for the purpose of developing and implementing the research agenda of the MRRC - CENR . The Center Director plays a key role in developing, planning, and managing major organizational functions and initiatives; including scientific planning, strategic planning and execution, business and budget management, human resources, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) issues, facilities planning, and other administrative functions.

Scope of Responsibilities

The Center Director reports directly to the Associate Director of Research & Director, Experiment Station for the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences ( SAAS ) and indirectly reports to the Chair, Department of Agriculture for teaching responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

• In-depth knowledge of environmental science and related disciplines, (i.e., solid and water resource management, advance technology tools and computational and applied modeling)
• Demonstrated ability in working with a multi-disciplinary work group
• Ability to formulate and outline multidisciplinary research objectives into one cohesive plan
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, extension staff, and the public
• Effective communication skills in writing and speaking

Specific responsibilities as MSRRC Director include (but are not limited to):

• Develop a nationally recognized research program in soil biological, chemical and physical health, precision agriculture, and water quality pertaining to agroecosystems in the MSRRC
• Utilize both traditional and emerging research tools for lab, plot and field investigations
• Utilize both traditional and emerging outreach tools to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to Extension agents, producers and stakeholders
• Obtain extramural funds to support research and Extension programs
• Publish research in high-quality and discipline-appropriate scientific journals
• Plan, maintain, and manage facility
• Develop a strategic plan for research, education, and public outreach activities with appropriate multi-year milestones and quantitative & quantitative outcomes;
  
  

Specific responsibilities as Assistant/Associate Professor of Department of Agriculture include (but are not limited to):

• Program leader for the Environmental Science program.
• Graduate Faculty member-advising Master of Science (MS) theses
• Member of the Curriculum Development Committee
• Teaching undergraduate courses: PS 315 Soils, PS 315L Soils Lab, PS 391 Concepts of Environmental Science, PS 439 Soil Microbiology, PS 490 Research Methods PS 495 Experimental Design and PS 497 Agriculture and Environmental Policy
• Teach graduate courses like but not limited to: PS539 Soil Microbiology, PS 590 Advanced Research Techniques
• Develop academic curriculum for the Environmental Science and/or Plant and Soil Science BS and MS programs.

OTHER DUTIES : related duties as assigned

• Generate and produce periodical reports, project performance and accomplishments of the Center;
• Produce budget reports for the Center ensuring implementation of programs and full coordination in the areas of administration, procurement, human resources, facilities/space planning, environmental health and safety issues, and implementation of policies and procedures in the facility;
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to a broad community that includes scientists performing fundamental and applied research, program managers, public relations, students other faculty/scientists, director of the other centers, the public in general, regional, national, and international stakeholders;
• Represent SAAS and ASU as required in technical and management meetings;
• Collaborate with the AAES leadership to coordinate related research projects that are in accordance with the mission and goals of SAAS ;
• Collaborate with the Chair, Department of Agriculture to facilitate educational programs in Environmental Science programs, including experiential learning; technical advancement, and professional development;
• Other duties as needed and assigned.
• Function as a member of the Budget Committee for SAAS, participate in the formulation and direction of programs and projects to enhance the growth of MRRC - CENR ;
• Oversee current projects aimed at helping growers adopt sustainable irrigation technology on their farms
• Engage in outreach and research related to agricultural water management with emphasis on irrigation engineering, intelligent irrigation systems, non-point source pollution, and/or hydrologic modeling.
• Support daily management and operational, planning, infrastructure, and business functions;
• Conduct and/or participate in meetings with major research thrust teams to foster multidisciplinary collaborations and contribute in achieving MRRC - CENR research goals.

Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in Biological Sciences or related discipline from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated experience in administrative or leadership positions
• Ability to manage multiple projects at any given time
• Capable of coordinating multidisciplinary research/projects
• To be considered at the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must have at least five full years in rank at the Assistant Professor level. Scholastic and academic credentials to merit the rank of tenured, Associate Professor in Agriculture, Outstanding record of obtaining competitive extramural funding as a Principal Investigator, and professional achievement in research including presentations and publications with minimum Google scholar citations of 1000.

Licensing and Certifications

n/a

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

•In-depth knowledge of environmental science and related disciplines (i.e. soil and water resource management, advanced technology tools and computational and applied modeling)
•Demonstrated ability in working with a multi-disciplinary work group
•Ability to formulate and outline multidisciplinary research objectives into one cohesive plan
•Ability to work effectively with faculty, extension staff, and the public
•Effective communication skills in writing and speaking
•Advanced skills of negotiation may be necessary in order to bring together diverse groups representing diverse outcomes, into one cohesive and successful research endeavor.

EEO / ADA Statement

Alcorn State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, services, admissions, or employment practices.

Physical Requirements

Work in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas

No

Sedentary Work - Exerting 10 pounds

Occasionally

Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds

Occasionally

Medium Work - Exerting 20-50 pounds

Not Required

Heavy Work - Exerting 50-100 pounds

Not Required

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds

Not Required

Travel

Occasionally

Extended Work Hours

Occasionally

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

Number of Vacancies

1

Location

Lorman

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

03/01/2022

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

EEO Statement

EEO Statement:
Alcorn State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, services, admissions, or employment practices. The following offices are designated to handle inquires and/or complaints regarding non-discriminatory policies and procedures of Alcorn State University:
Complaints, inquiries, or specific requests in regard to Title IX and Section 504 directives should be made to: Title IX Office, Walter Washington Administration Bldg., Room 519A, Lorman, MS, 39096, (601) 877-6700.
Complaints, inquiries, or requests in regard to non-discrimination in employment practices should be made to: Human Resources Department, Walter Washington Administration Bldg., Room 107, Lorman, MS, 39096, (601) 877-6188
Questions, complaints, or requests in regard to ADA / ADAAA compliance in employment practices should also be made to the department of human resources.

Advertising Summary

Excellent Benefits Package

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Unofficial Transcripts
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Teaching Philosophy
5. Writing Sample
6. Letter of Recommendation (Professional)
7. Letter of Recommendation (Personal)
8. Letter of Recommendation (Professional or Personal)

Optional Documents